Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Square Enix

Nier: Automata’s first round of downloadable content has gone live. The drop, titled 3C3C1D119440927, costs $13.99 and includes three colosseums along with extra sidequests. The latter bestow costume rewards, with several from Nier: Replicant (Revealing Outfit for 2B, Young Man’s Outfit for 9S and Destroyer Outfit for A2), records for the jukebox, equipment and cosmetic accessories (color-changing hairspray for 2B and A2), stat-boosting masks, and special bullets that alter the enemy’s appearance. To cap it off, the colosseum battles will pit players against Square Enix CEO Yosuke Matsuda and PlatinumGames CEO Kenichi Sato.

Square Enix has released Dragon Quest Heroes II. The action role-playing game, developed by Koei Tecmo, follows up on but isn’t connected to the 2015 original. In the new adventure, players set out, alone or with friends in multiplayer, to save the Seven Realms. Along with online support, the sequel also features an interconnected single-player world, the ability to play as monsters, 15 playable characters, eight extra characters in multiplayer, more customization options, and Dimensional Dungeons as well as story-driven War Zones in multiplayer.

Nier: Automata will soon be receiving its first round of downloadable content. Appropriately titled 3C3C1D119440927, the drop will add three colosseums, sub-quests, and rewards that add costumes from the Japan-only release Nier: Replicant. The additions include music tracks to the player’s jukebox, bullets that change enemy appearance, effect-inducing masks, and equipment and cosmetics to adjust A2’s and 2B’s hair color.

Players can get an early start in restoring peace to the Seven Realms today with the release of a demo for Dragon Quest Heroes II. The trial allows players to try four of the 15 playable characters in unique quests that require them to defend Greena Pastures from an invading army of monsters and a giant boss. To grab the demo, head to the PlayStation Store.

Final Fantasy XV’s first character-focused downloadable pack has been released. Episode Gladiolus adds a new storyline from the perspective of Noctis’ friend Gladiolus, set during the period when he disappears from the main campaign in a new area of Eos. He has access to a Valor and Rage system that utilizes a style based around blocking and counterattacking, and gains access to special items that can be carried back over to the main game. After completing the episode, players will also be able to access two new modes: Final Trial and Score Attack. A second, free update adds cutscenes to improve Chapter 13 as well as an additional route for players to take, along with new magic and extra areas.

Square Enix and PlatinumGames’ co-developed entry in the Nier series has been released for PC. Battle androids 2B, 9S, and A2 are being sent to Earth to reclaim it for humanity after a devastating invasion by aliens and their machine army has led to mankind fleeing to the Moon. An extensive look at the game was released prior to the launch of the PS4 version with Exploring Earth’s Distant Future – 30 Minutes of Uninterrupted Gameplay. The PC version is available through Steam.

Square Enix has revealed a pricey premium version of Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age. The Collector’s Edition will run $199.99 and come with a mini bust set of Judges Bergan, Drace, Gabranth, Ghis, and Zargabaath; a soundtrack of select tracks; a steelbook case; six art cards, and a digital code to unlock the soundtrack background music in-game option. The cheaper Limited and Digital editions will run $49.99 and include a steelbook case with different art and the digital code for the soundtrack background music in-game option. Also, first-run copies of the standard edition will feature a reversible coversheet with art by Akihiko Yoshida.

Battle androids 2B, 9S and A2 are reporting in with the release of Nier: Automata for PS4. Co-developed with PlatinumGames, the latest entry finds androids battling machines that have overrun the planet in order to secure it for the remaining humans. A launch trailer, below, offers an overview, but for a lengthy look at the game, check out Exploring Earth’s Distant Future – 30 Minutes of Uninterrupted Gameplay. To celebrate the release, Square Enix has released two free PS4 themes showing off the main characters in their flight suits. Check them out on the PS Store here and here.

It’s never a bad time for more Nier, and today, Square Enix has released an extended look at the upcoming Nier: Automata. How “extended” is extended? Twenty-seven minutes and forty-nine seconds, that’s how extended. The video, titled Exploring Earth’s Distant Future – 30 Minutes of Uninterrupted Gameplay, offers an overview of the game’s mechanics and world. Some of the items featured include the Reliquary System, which allows players to return to where they were defeated for buffs or an ally; 17 of the Pod Skills that the robot companions can utilize during battle; how to gain new buffs and abilities using the Plug-in-Chip System; and the Riding System, which allows players to ride boars (of course).

Nier: Automata’s combat system is highlighted in a new gameplay trailer. With the game nearing its release date, Square Enix is showing off the weapon-based combat system in a new video from co-developer PlatinumGames, Arsenal of Elegant Destruction. Included is a demonstration of the game’s combo-extension mechanic that allows players to alternate between four weapon types on the fly, including bracers, spears, and swords.